The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) on Monday, 4th August 2025, under the leadership of Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, today held a strategic engagement with the Decentralisation Sector Working Group (DSWG) to review and fine-tune the draft National Decentralisation Policy and Strategy (2026–2030).

The high-level session forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing consultative process to ensure that the policy document is technically sound, contextually relevant, and broadly aligned with Ghana’s decentralisation and local governance objectives.

The meeting focused on the six key pillars of the draft policy; Political Decentralisation, Administrative Decentralisation, Fiscal Decentralisation, Local Economic Development, Popular Participation, and Accountable Governance. These thematic areas are central to Ghana’s agenda of empowering local governments, enhancing service delivery, and promoting inclusive development.

Participants also examined cross-cutting issues that must be integrated into the implementation of the strategy, including mindset and behavioural change, technological innovation, gender inclusivity, climate change, and the Government’s 24-Hour Economy Programme, which aims to expand economic productivity and access to services around the clock.

In his remarks, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to a transformative and responsive decentralisation framework. “The National Decentralisation Policy and Strategy must go beyond institutional reform, it must speak to the aspirations of Ghanaians for inclusive governance, local prosperity, and resilient communities,” he stated.

The Decentralisation Sector Working Group, made up of key stakeholders from government, development partners, civil society, and academia, lauded the Ministry’s inclusive approach and provided valuable inputs to strengthen the content and structure of the draft document.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

 (Public Relations Unit- MLGCRA)

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with traditional authorities to advance national development and preserve cultural heritage.

This was echoed by the Deputy Minister, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, in a welcome Addressshe  delivered on behalf of the sector Minister , Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim on when the Volta Regional House of Chiefs paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama.

She  noted that the meeting with the Traditional Authorities symbolized government’s continued engagement with, and importance it attached to the chieftaincy institution , stating that this partnership is  rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision of peace, development, and cultural integrity.

 She observed  that , the Volta Regional House of Chiefs have consistently played a pivotal role in land administration, social cohesion, and spiritual leadership, adding that their stewardship remains a vital pillar for the people of the region and the country at large.

She  was particularly excited about the presence of the Chiefs at the seat of government, stating that this reflects  their  keen interest in governance and readiness to collaborate with government to advance socio-economic development in the region.

Hon. Sowah extended the ministry’s appreciation to the chiefs for their continuous contributions and assured them of the government’s readiness to listen and work together for sustained development, while expressing hope for a fruitful and forward-looking engagement.

The President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV expressed their appreciation to the President and the Ministry for making time to welcome them and also for taking keen interest in the  development of the region, stating that like Oliva Twist, they would want the President to look into the Asikuma -Sogakope-Juapong inland security post which was becoming a worry to road users.

He also spoke about the need for government to support with funding to train newly inaugurated traditional council members in the region as the numbers were huge. He touched on the enhancement  of the Allied Health University, and appealed for more health professionals , specifically doctors to be posted to the region.

This interaction forms part of the ministry’s broader strategy to empower the Chieftaincy institution  in line with national governance and development goals

Source : Chantal Aidoo , Public Relations Unit -MLGCRA

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has organized a specialized training program for newly inaugurated Traditional Council Members of the Zuarungu Traditional Area. This is part of efforts to deepen the understanding of Chieftaincy administration, by providing the President of the Council and his members a broader knowledge of the office.

The training is designed to equip the chiefs with a comprehensive understanding of the legal, administrative, and judicial structures that govern chieftaincy affairs in Ghana. It also aims to clarify their roles and responsibilities within the Traditional Council system, aligning them with the national governance structure.

In an address delivered on behalf of the Chief Director for the Ministry by Director responsible for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Baafi Nsiah, he indicated that the training is in fulfilment of the ministry's mandate to ensure they give their key stakeholders the requisite skill to enable them execute their mandate as a Council.

According to him, the training will build the administrative and governance capacities of the newly inducted chiefs, emphasizing the crucial role of traditional leadership in Ghana’s governance and cultural framework.

"Traditional leadership remains a vital part of Ghana’s governance and cultural architecture," the Chief Director noted. "As custodians of our customs, land, and heritage, you play a critical role in sustaining peace, promoting unity, and fostering development in our communities." He further noted that the structure of Traditional Council falls under the Regional House and the National House as the base.

 According to the Chief Director, whilst it is the responsibility of government to provide funds for the effective running of the office of the Traditional Councils, the Councils, with support from the Registrars, are not barred from soliciting for funds from donors and development partners to complete or establish developmental projects. 

The Chief Director added that the President of the Traditional Council, per the Chieftaincy Act 2008 (Act 759 ), is to work hand -in- hand with the Traditional Council Registrar and other civil service staff for administrative work, such as the establishment of committees, to be carried out smoothly.

Participants were urged to embrace the responsibilities that come with their new roles—promoting harmony, ensuring fairness, resolving disputes using customary law, and collaborating with local government structures such as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

“As newly inducted members, you are stepping into a space that demands not only leadership and wisdom but also integrity, fairness, and accountability,” the Chief Director said, encouraging active participation and knowledge sharing throughout the session.

For his part, the President of the Zuarungu Traditional Council, Naba Bilea-Namalteng, expressed his appreciation to government for the timely training , appealing for it to be done often, probably on quarterly or annual intervals.

He urged the council members to make good use of the new skills and knowledge they have acquired and work effectively with the  Staff of the council to promote peace , reduce conflict and increase socio-economic development in the area.

Source : Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA